Best Douglas County Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The Bowen Family Performing Arts Fund Grant, established in honor of Gwen Bowen, supports low-income children in Denver by providing opportunities to learn dance, acting, and singing. This initiative aims to promote the performing arts among underserved youth, ensuring they can experience the joy of artistic expression. The grant is focused on programs that align with its mission in the seven-county Metro Denver area, continuing Miss Bowen’s legacy of inspiring future generations.

The Women & Girls of Color Fund focuses on empowering women and girls of color in Colorado through targeted investments in their leadership and economic security. With only 0.5% of foundation funding allocated to this demographic, the fund aims to dismantle systemic barriers and uplift community-led initiatives. Prioritizing organizations led by women of color, it supports diverse programs that enhance economic opportunities while addressing intersecting oppressions, thereby fostering a brighter future for all.

The IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

The GM on Main Street Grant Program, led by Main Street America, focuses on enhancing the safety and vibrancy of downtowns through innovative road safety and traffic calming projects. Funded by General Motors, this program seeks transformative ideas that promote pedestrian safety and accessibility, making downtown areas more inviting for residents and visitors. Eligible applicants include non-profits and local governments in designated counties, with a strong emphasis on projects that are inclusive, feasible, and easily replicable.

The Wanser Fund Grant, provided by The Denver Foundation, offers funding between $5,000 and $7,000 for organizations dedicated to animal health. Established in 2013, this grant aims to support programs that align with its mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in the Denver Metro area and must focus on initiatives that enhance animal health. This is a valuable opportunity for eligible nonprofits to secure funding for impactful projects.

The Douglas County Philip S. Miller Competitive Grants program supports 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations providing vital services to enhance the quality of life for Douglas County residents. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, the program prioritizes initiatives that address self-sufficiency, youth at risk, and mental health services. Eligible nonprofits must be registered in Colorado and significantly serve the Douglas County community, ensuring a positive impact on local residents.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative's Charitable Giving Program focuses on supporting communities across its nine-state service territory. The program reviews funding requests periodically and allocates donations to various categories, including education, health services, civic betterment, and cultural initiatives. Additionally, it offers matching funds for member donations and contributes surplus office equipment to organizations in need. This commitment to community growth and sustainability reflects Basin Electric's mission to enhance the well-being of its members.

The Black Hills Charitable Giving Program supports community growth by providing sponsorships and donations to eligible organizations. Focused on thriving communities, conservation, and nurturing future leaders, it invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and schools. Funding priorities include critical needs like food security and education, while requests benefiting individuals or political causes are generally not funded. Applications are accepted year-round, with decisions made within 120 days.

The Season to Share Grant, presented by the Denver Post Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations committed to helping low-income children, youth, and families in the Denver area. Grant funding focuses on programs addressing children and youth development, health and wellness, homelessness, and hunger. Eligible organizations must demonstrate strong outcomes and sustainable funding. Applications are reviewed annually, with a competitive process ensuring that funding is allocated to impactful programs that effectively serve vulnerable populations.

The Topfer Family Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals by providing essential resources and support in various program areas, including child abuse prevention, youth enrichment, job training, children's health, and aging in place. This grant is focused on fostering self-sufficiency through initiatives that promote education, practical life skills, and access to healthcare. The foundation prioritizes organizations in the greater Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Broward County areas, ensuring that funds directly benefit local communities.

The Denver Foundation's Capacity Building Fund Grant supports qualified nonprofits aiming to enhance their effectiveness through learning opportunities. Grants range from $500 to $6,000, with an average of $2,500 to $3,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, have received a prior grant within three years, and serve the Metro Denver area. Funding is not available for passive learning or certain activities, ensuring that grants foster active engagement and skill development among staff and board members.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The GM Corporate Giving Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on STEM education and transportation initiatives. Applications are accepted from January to September, with a requirement to submit requests at least three months before the program’s start date. GM emphasizes charitable contributions in the communities where it operates, ensuring that organizations align with its values. The grant amount is not limited and is assessed based on the proposed program's merit and needs.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The EASI: Other Services Route, introduced by the Colorado Department of Education, streamlines school improvement funding through a single application process. It targets districts with schools needing comprehensive and targeted support as mandated by the Every Student Succeeds Act. This initiative focuses on aligning federal and state accountability while providing resources to enhance educational outcomes. Key routes include Exploration Supports and District Designed Services, fostering effective strategies tailored to local needs.

The EASI initiative by the Colorado Department of Education focuses on empowering districts to enhance school improvement strategies. Through the District Designed and Led route, districts can leverage tailored implementation support and major improvement strategies. This approach encourages collaboration with external partners, fostering sustainable improvement systems and building staff capacity aligned with effective educational frameworks. The goal is to ensure that schools in need receive the support necessary for meaningful and lasting change.

The EASI: Exploration Supports Route, initiated by the Colorado Department of Education, provides streamlined funding for school improvement efforts in alignment with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). By consolidating grant applications, Colorado aims to efficiently match schools' needs with evidence-based strategies. This planning phase allows Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to explore diagnostic reviews and community engagement, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes for schools designated under state accountability measures.

The Ball Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations in U.S. communities, focusing on recycling, disaster relief, and STEM education. In 2023, the foundation contributed significantly to these areas, ensuring sustainable practices and community resilience. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions. The foundation prioritizes impactful projects and excludes funding for discriminatory practices or individual endeavors. This commitment fosters a brighter future through enhanced education and support during crises.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program by the City of Aurora aims to enhance neighborhood aesthetics and strengthen community bonds. With $60K available and grants up to $5,000, the program supports projects like clean-up events, message boards, benches, and gardens. Eligible applicants include neighborhood organizations and residents, with a requirement of at least three households participating. The initiative focuses on projects that benefit the community and foster positive interactions, promoting pride and identity within neighborhoods.

Impact100 Metro Denver offers a transformative $100,000 grant aimed at empowering Denver-area non-profits to enhance their mission and community impact. With a focus on underserved populations, this initiative encourages innovative solutions across various sectors, including arts, education, health, and social services. By fostering a community of informed women philanthropists, the program not only provides funding but also promotes engagement in local needs, ensuring that the grant supports sustainable and meaningful projects.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Civic Fabric Fund, managed by The Denver Foundation, invites eligible nonprofits to apply for funding to support state and local policy advocacy. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement and coalition building in the Metro Denver area. Organizations may apply for either general operating or program-specific grants. Priority is given to efforts that focus on grassroots coalition-building and community engagement, addressing local issues outlined in the foundation’s policy principles.

The Region 12 Opioid Abatement Council Emergency Fund aims to support organizations focused on opioid and substance use disorder (OUD/SUD) prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, or harm reduction. Eligible applicants include non-profits, governmental bodies, academic institutions, healthcare providers, and businesses. This funding addresses financial hardships caused by unexpected budget shortfalls or increased service demand due to crises in the community, ensuring continued support for those affected by OUD/SUD.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Arrow Electronics, offers grants of $15,000 to support STEM and CTE curriculum implementation in schools within 25 miles of Alpharetta, GA. Schools must provide at least two different PLTW Launch modules over two academic years and meet specific program requirements. The funding can be used for essential equipment and training, while certain expenses, such as salaries and benefits, are ineligible. This initiative aims to enhance STEM education across various grade levels.

Ent Credit Union

Ent’s mission is to improve our members’ financial quality of life. We make the communities we serve more vibrant and believe it is part of our responsibility to make a lasting, positive impact through our work as a financial cooperative and as a philanthropic partner. We foster mutually supportive relationships with, and strive to amplify the message of, the charitable organizations we support. 

Community Advocacy

By definition, a “community advocate” has a vested interest in the development of a neighborhood or community. At Ent, we believe that being an advocate for the numerous neighborhoods and communities we serve across the Front Range is crucial for our communities to thrive. 

Helping our communities across Colorado

For decades, Ent has contributed millions of dollars to support communities across Colorado as a part of our mission to improve our members’ financial quality of life. As a “community advocate” we have a vested interest in supporting the communities where our owner-members live, work and play.

We are partnering with the Pikes Peak Community Foundation to help us raise awareness of the funding available to organizations through Ent, identify volunteer opportunities for Ent employees and to maximize the impact of our financial contributions.

Ent provides funding to various nonprofits along the Front Range that fall into any of the following impact categories:

• Youth: Primary program impact focuses on children under the age of 18 with emphasis on impact in housing, food, behavioral and/or mental health.
• Education: Primary program impact supports classroom learning at all levels, with an emphasis on organizations that design and manage these educational initiatives. For higher education, the focus is primarily on providing scholarships to students attending Colorado-based universities and community colleges.
• Community: Primary program impact addresses major community issues with a focus on community enrichment, food banks, homelessness, and/or poverty.
• Legacy: Primary program impact does not fit into any categories above but may continue to receive support based on Ent’s Colorado Springs heritage.

Applicants who have received Community Advocacy and/or YES Grants funding within the same calendar year may still qualify for an additional grant. However, if funding is limited, priority will be given to new applicants. Applicants may reapply if their initial application is denied.